Celebrating Jobs for Delaware Graduates on Their Path to Success

More than 300 guests, including Governor and Mrs. Markell, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, and former Congressman Mike Castle enjoyed a breakfast and a program with speakers who noted the remarkable achievements of some of the 60,000 students who have graduated from the Delaware program since its inception. “This program is the real deal,” said Governor Markell as he spoke to guests.

Founder Ken Smith told the audience, “This is a better state – a better place – because of Jobs for Delaware Graduates. They are good citizens, paying taxes, and are enthusiastic and well-prepared employees.”

October 26, 2016 - by Christy Fleming

Jobs for Delaware Graduates, which has a 93% success rate in helping participants graduate from high school and go to college or land a job, was the first of its kind in the United States. Thirty-three states have adopted the successful Delaware model, and over 1,000,000 students have pursued career pathways through Jobs for America’s Graduates programs.

JDG has assigned 37 teaching specialists to schools around the state who work one-on-one with middle and upper school students, helping them with skills they need to be successful such as resume writing, talking on the phone or in an interview, money management, time management, and dressing for business.

“We are the best head hunting organization in the State of Delaware,” said State Sen. Nicole Poore, who is also president of JDG. “Our success begins in the classroom, with kids who face enormous barriers. But we work with the students to make sure if they are in our program, they are going to follow their dreams of success.”

Carla Markell has coached a program participant for a few years in the JDG program, and she said JDG was a real confidence builder and a life changer for her student. “There’s a roll for all of us to play,” she said.